Southern states are preparing for impacts from a potential tropical storm as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) continues to monitor the system's path.
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued a slew of advisories along the coasts of Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi as Potential Tropical Cyclone One—which will become Tropical Storm Alberto if it continues to strengthen—sends rough waters and foul weather miles away from the storm's center.
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As of Wednesday morning, most spaghetti models—computer models illustrating potential storm paths—show the storm making landfall in Mexico by Wednesday night, although a few models show the storm's path careening off to the north toward the southern U.S.
"Latest update for Potential Tropical Cyclone One. This system continues to drift west in the southwestern Gulf," the NWS said. "This system is expected to steadily strengthen, drifting westward, impacting Mexico and south Texas. Some indirect impacts will be possible across our local area through midweek. Continue to monitor the forecast for any changes to expected impacts."
The NWS issued a tropical storm warning in Texas, flood warnings and advisories across several states, and several ocean-related warnings such as a high surf warning, a coastal flood warning, a rip current statement and a gale warning among others as the storm continues to cause impacts.
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"Tropical Storm force winds possible until Wednesday afternoon," the tropical storm warning said. "Very strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions."
Inland flooding also is a concern, particularly in Texas where the storm could bring up to 6 inches of rain to some areas. NWS meteorologist Geoff Bogorad told Newsweek that so far, around an inch or two of rain has already fallen in the Deep South. The heaviest rain will fall throughout the day on Wednesday.
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Most of the flood-related warnings are expected to expire by Thursday afternoon.
Multiple agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), have issued forecasts warning that 2024 will be an exceptionally strong year for hurricanes. NOAA's forecast anticipates 17 to 25 named storms, for an above-average hurricane season. Of the 25, eight to 13 will be hurricanes and four to seven will be major hurricanes. The forecast amount of named storms, hurricanes and major hurricanes is the highest NOAA has ever issued in a May outlook.
Several factors are contributing to the storm-heavy predictions this year, including abnormally warm sea surface temperatures and the expectation that El Niño will transition into La Niña by this summer or fall.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Anna Skinner is a Newsweek senior reporter based in Indianapolis. Her focus is reporting on the climate, environment and weather ... Read more
